Lander University will host Robert Gardiner’s Retirement Concert and Jazz Ensemble on April, 17th, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the Abney Cultural Center on the University’s campus. This event is free and open to the public. The Lander University Jazz Ensemble is a 20-piece big band. The group will be presenting an exciting program of musical selections with a variety of grooves and contrasting moods from across the history of jazz, including music originally performed by Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Artie Shaw and others.

This concert will be director, Dr. Robert Gardiner’s swan song, as he will be retiring after 23 years as Professor of Music at Lander University. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” said Gardiner. “I will miss teaching tremendously and working with Lander’s beautiful students, our amazing staff and my wonderful colleagues. It’s been a pure pleasure, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity.” Gardiner plans to spend more time traveling with his wife, Betty and growing the South Carolina Jazz Foundation and the South Carolina Jazz Masterworks Ensemble, organizations he founded.

There will be a reception on the Cultural Center Bridge for Dr. Gardiner following the April 17 concert and the public is invited to attend.

Please visit www.lander.edu/events for updates and to confirm event times and venues.

For questions, please contact the College of Arts and Humanities at 864-388-8323.

For questions and more information, please contact [email protected].